Dislocated Elbow: Terminology, Anatomy, Types, and Recovery

What is another name for a dislocated elbow?

While "dislocated elbow" is the most common and widely understood term, the formal medical term for a dislocated elbow is elbow luxation.

Understanding Elbow Dislocation Terminology

In the realm of anatomy and orthopedics, the term "luxation" is the precise medical descriptor for a complete dislocation of a joint, where the bones forming the joint are entirely separated from their normal alignment. Therefore, when referring to an elbow that has come out of its joint, "elbow luxation" is the technically accurate and preferred terminology among healthcare professionals. Less formally, one might hear it described as an elbow that is "out of joint" or "displaced," but these are more colloquial rather than clinical terms.

Anatomy of the Elbow Joint

To fully grasp what a dislocation entails, it's crucial to understand the intricate structure of the elbow. The elbow is a complex hinge joint formed by the articulation of three bones:

• Humerus: The bone of the upper arm.
• Radius: One of the two bones of the forearm, located on the thumb side.
• Ulna: The other forearm bone, located on the pinky finger side.

These bones are held together by a network of strong ligaments, including the medial (ulnar) collateral ligament, lateral (radial) collateral ligament, and the annular ligament. These ligaments provide stability and guide the joint's motion, allowing for flexion and extension, as well as forearm rotation (pronation and supination). A dislocation occurs when these bones are forced out of their normal anatomical alignment, often tearing or stretching the surrounding ligaments.

Types of Elbow Dislocation

Elbow dislocations are typically classified based on the direction the ulna and radius move relative to the humerus, and whether other structures are involved:

• Posterior Dislocation: This is the most common type, where the forearm bones (radius and ulna) move backward in relation to the humerus.
• Anterior Dislocation: Less common, with the forearm bones moving forward.
• Medial or Lateral Dislocation: Occur when the forearm bones shift to the side.
• Simple Dislocation: Involves only the soft tissues (ligaments, capsule) without any associated bone fractures.
• Complex Dislocation: Involves a dislocation accompanied by one or more fractures of the bones forming the elbow joint (humerus, radius, or ulna). These are generally more severe and can lead to greater complications.

Causes and Risk Factors

Elbow dislocations are almost always the result of significant trauma. Common causes include:

• Falling on an Outstretched Hand (FOOSH): This is the most frequent mechanism of injury, where the force of the fall is transmitted up the arm, causing the elbow to hyperextend or twist.
• Direct Blow to the Elbow: A forceful impact directly on the elbow can also lead to dislocation.
• Sports Injuries: High-impact sports or activities involving falls (e.g., gymnastics, wrestling, football, cycling) carry a higher risk.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Can result in severe elbow dislocations due to the forces involved.

Recognizing a Dislocated Elbow

A dislocated elbow is typically characterized by:

• Severe Pain: Intense and immediate pain in the elbow joint.
• Obvious Deformity: The elbow may appear visibly out of shape, with a prominent bump or indentation.
• Swelling and Bruising: Rapid onset of swelling around the joint, often followed by bruising.
• Inability to Move the Arm: Significant limitation or complete loss of ability to bend or straighten the elbow, or rotate the forearm.
• Numbness or Tingling: In some cases, nerve compression can lead to altered sensation in the forearm or hand.

Immediate Action and Medical Attention

If you suspect an elbow dislocation, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to put the elbow back into place yourself or allow anyone untrained to do so. This can cause further damage to nerves, blood vessels, or surrounding tissues. Until professional medical help arrives:

• Immobilize the Arm: Keep the arm as still as possible, ideally in the position it was found. A splint or sling can help.
• Apply Ice: Place a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth on the elbow to help reduce swelling and pain.
• Elevate the Arm: If comfortable, elevate the arm above heart level to minimize swelling.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Treatment for an elbow luxation typically involves:

• Reduction: A healthcare professional (usually a physician or orthopedic surgeon) will manually maneuver the bones back into their correct alignment. This procedure is often performed under sedation or anesthesia to minimize pain and muscle spasm.
• Immobilization: After reduction, the elbow is usually immobilized in a splint or sling for a period, typically 1-3 weeks, to allow initial healing of the soft tissues.
• Rehabilitation: Once initial healing has occurred, a comprehensive physical therapy program is crucial. This focuses on:
  • Restoring Range of Motion: Gentle exercises to regain full flexion, extension, pronation, and supination.
  • Strengthening: Exercises to rebuild strength in the muscles surrounding the elbow and shoulder.
  • Proprioception and Stability: Training to improve joint awareness and prevent re-dislocation.

Full recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the dislocation and whether other injuries (like fractures) were present. Adherence to the rehabilitation program is key to preventing long-term stiffness, weakness, or instability.

Conclusion

While "dislocated elbow" is the common parlance, understanding that "elbow luxation" is its precise medical equivalent provides a deeper insight into the terminology of musculoskeletal injuries. Regardless of the term used, a dislocated elbow is a serious injury requiring prompt medical evaluation and treatment to ensure proper healing and restoration of function.